When it comes to facial sunscreen, I am, without a doubt, a card-carrying member of the SPF fan club. Over the past decade, sunscreen formulas have gone from chalky nightmares to silky, luxurious creams that I actually enjoy using. That said, I’m not one of those sunscreen zealots you might see while scrolling through your feed. I don’t religiously reapply every two hours (unless in the pool), I don’t obsess over SPF-infused hand creams, and I’ve only recently started caring about lip balms with UV protection.
For the longest time, I was a die-hard fan of the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment because, once upon a time, it offered SPF 15. But, for reasons unknown to me, the brand decided to reformulate this iconic product, turning it into nothing more than a glorified lip balm in a rainbow of colors that will either melt in your car or snap in half the moment you try to use it. So, if you’re in the market for a luxurious lip balm that not only nourishes and soothes but also protects against both UVA and UVB, I’ve got three gems that are worth every penny.
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
3% Avobenzone, 7.5% Octinoxate
Jack Black may be marketed as a men’s grooming brand, but let me tell you, they’ve nailed it when it comes to lip balm. This little tube of magic is formulated with SPF 25 and comes in a variety of mouth-watering scents (or flavors, because, yes, it’s going on your lips). My personal faves? Grapefruit & Ginger and Black Tea & Blackberry. But if those don’t excite you, there’s also Lemon & Shea Butter, Mint & Shea Butter, and Shea Butter & Vitamin E. This balm not only heals cracked lips with its blend of plant butters and beeswax, but it also creates a protective shield with petrolatum, leaving your lips looking natural—no shiny, sticky mess here. $10 (.25oz) at sephora.com
iS Clinical Liprotect SPF 35
10.2% Zinc Oxide, 1% Titanium Dioxide
The iS Clinical Liprotect SPF 35 might just be the perfect everyday lip sunscreen. It feels like a nourishing treatment but doubles as a sophisticated sunscreen for your lips. The solid stick formula is packed with Coconut Oil and Vitamin E to keep your lips soft and hydrated, while Elderberry Extract and Linoleic Acid offer an extra layer of protection against environmental stressors. Plus, the all-mineral filters are completely transparent, so you don’t have to worry about any white cast—just smooth, healthy-looking lips. And that cherry almond scent? It’s the cherry on top (literally).. $35 (5g) at dermstore.com
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Balm SPF 20
4% Octinoxate, 3% Avobenzone
I’ll be honest—I was skeptical about trying this Elizabeth Arden lip balm in a tube, especially since I’m not a fan of the swivel stick version. But now? I’m a full-blown convert. This balm has a creamy, almost melt-into-your-lips texture that feels decadent without the weight or greasiness. Even better, there’s absolutely no scent (a relief, since the Eight Hour Cream aroma can be… polarizing). It leaves a natural finish on your lips, and what I love most is how well it stays on—no need for constant reapplication here. I’m seriously impressed with this one, though some might find the price a bit steep. $35 (.5oz), but snag it on dermstore.com with my affiliate code OMGBART to save 25%
More Lip Balm (with SPF) musings…
Also, I know you wanted to ask… I did try the Aquaphor lip balm with SPF, and let’s just say it was a hard pass (and I’m a huge fan of the Original Healing Ointment). Unfortunately, the other ones that did not make the cut were: Coola Liplux SPF Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 30 (YIKES) and the EltaMD Lip Balm SPF 36 (I’m a huge fan of the UV Clear formulas for the face though).
